Dispensing cap for a squeezeable bottle

ABSTRACT

A vented automatic dispending cap for use with a flexible container may generally include a body and a retainer cap attached to the body. A pressure chamber is formed between the body and retainer cap. A set of resilient spring members spaced around the body holds the retainer cap against the body, which seats a valve within a dispensing hole extending through the cap. When the container is squeezed, product in the container may be forced into the pressure chamber expanding the pressure chamber and unseating the valve, thereby allowing product to exit the dispensing opening. A lip seal around the upper circumferential edge of the body prevents fluid from leaking out of the sides of the chamber but allows air to enter the chamber for venting the flexible container.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/325,150, filed Dec. 14, 2011, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/800,965, filed May 25, 2010, which is aContinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/220,760, filed Sep.6, 2005 and issued May 25, 2010 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,721,918, which is aContinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/856,337, filed May28, 2004 and issued Sep. 6, 2005 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,800, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/474,079 and60/473,991, filed on May 28, 2003. Each of these applications is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is generally related to squeeze bottles, and moreparticularly to automatic dispensing caps.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The squeezable tube and the squeezable bottle are common containers forproducts such as creams, lotions, and soaps. The most common devices foropening and closing these squeezable containers are removable caps thatare threaded to the container or flip cap dispensing closures. In eithercase, a two handed effort is required to open the cap before theproducts can be dispensed and also to close the cap to seal thecontainer. Quite often the cap is not replaced or flipped down, therebyleaving the container unsealed.

To overcome the necessity of a two handed effort to both open and closethe containers, a self opening and closing device or automaticdispensing cap is described below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, an automatic dispensing cap for use with a containerincludes a body and a retainer cap. The body, which may be connected tothe container, includes a protrusion. The retainer cap is connected tothe body and includes a chamber and a dispensing aperture. The retainercap can move relative to the body between a closed position wherein theprotrusion is seated in the dispensing aperture to prevent fluid flowthrough the dispensing aperture, and an open position wherein theprotrusion is unseated from the dispensing aperture to allow fluid flowthrough the dispensing aperture.

The retainer cap may be resiliently biased toward the closed position.The body may further include a sealing lip that is resiliently biasedagainst the retainer cap. The sealing lip acts as a one-way valve toprevent fluid from exiting the chamber and to allow air to enter thechamber. The sealing lip may be a plastic membrane less thanapproximately 0.5 mm in thickness. The dispensing cap may also include aspring member that resiliently biases the retainer cap toward the closedposition. The body may have a plurality of spring members and may bepositioned in the interior of the retainer cap with the spring memberscontacting an inner surface of the retainer cap. The retainer cap mayalso be rotatable between a locked position where the retainer cap isconstrained from moving into the open position, and unlocked positionwhere the retainer cap is not constrained from moving into the openposition.

In another embodiment, a valve member for an automatic dispensing capincludes a cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis defining upwardand downward directions and a circumferential outer wall having upperand lower edges. The valve also includes a protrusion disposed upwardlyalong the longitudinal axis. A plurality of openings are disposedradially between the protrusion and the circumferential outer wall andare suitable for the passage of fluid upwardly through the cylindricalbody. The valve also includes a plurality of spring members disposedradially outward from the outer circumferential wall and spaced to allowair to pass upwardly between the spring members and along the outercircumferential wall. The valve also includes a circumferential sealinglip having inner and outer surfaces extending upwardly from the upperedge of the wall, the lip sufficiently flexible to bend radially inwardas a result of a difference in air pressure between inner and outersurfaces thereof.

In another embodiment, the automatic dispensing cap may include theaforementioned valve member in conjunction with a retaining cap that hasan upper surface with an aperture sized and positioned to receive theprotrusion and an annular outer wall with an inner surface positionedaround the cylindrical body such that the circumferential sealing lippresses against the inner surface forming a one-way seal that preventsfluid from exiting the cap but permits air to enter the cap. The innersurface of the outer wall of the retaining cap also engages the springmembers to resiliently bias the retaining cap against the valve membersuch that the protrusion is seated in the aperture.

The retaining cap may be responsive to upward pressure on its uppersurface such that when the cap is attached to a squeeze bottle,squeezing the bottle results in sufficient pressure to move theretaining cap against the resilient bias of the spring members andunseat the protrusion, allowing product to dispense through theaperture.

In another embodiment, an automatic dispensing cap for use with acontainer includes a body connected to the container and a retainer capconnected the body. A pressure chamber within the retainer cap is influid communication with the interior of the container. A dispensinghole exits the pressure chamber. The dispensing cap has a closedposition where a protrusion seals the dispensing hole and an openposition where the dispensing hole is open. A spring member biases theautomatic dispensing cap in the closed position. A sealing lip isconfigured to contact the interior surface of the retainer cap, thesealing lip further configured to permit air to enter the pressurechamber in order to vent the container.

In another embodiment, a squeeze container include the aforementioneddispensing cap and a resiliently deformable container having liquidtherein. The container is coupled to the automatic dispensing cap suchthat squeezing the container results in the automatic dispensing capmoving from a closed position to an open position. Liquid then dispensesfrom the container through the dispensing hole, the automatic dispensingcap moves back from an open position to a closed position, and air ventspast the sealing lip into the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an external view of a conventional tube with a removableautomatic dispensing cap.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the automatic dispensing cap shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a section through a removable non-vented automatic dispensingcap using a coil spring as a piston return device. Side A shows theautomatic dispensing cap in the operating position and side B shows theautomatic dispensing cap in the locked position.

FIG. 4 is a section through a removable non-vented automatic dispensingcap using multiple leaf springs, which are integral with the body, toprovide a piston return means.

FIG. 5 is a section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4 showing the rotationlimiter that stops the retainer cap at the operating position.

FIG. 6 is a view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4 showing a top view ofthe multiple leaf springs that are integral with the body.

FIG. 7 is a section taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 4 showing a side viewof the leaf spring integral with the body.

FIG. 8 is a section through a removable non-vented automatic dispensingcap having a nozzle type retainer cap.

FIG. 9 is a section taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8 showing theconfiguration of the piston and integral shut off valve.

FIG. 10 is a section taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 3 showing therotation limiter that stops the retainer cap at the operating position.

FIG. 11 is a section through a retainer cap having a floatation collarfor use with a non-vented automatic dispensing cap. This arrangementallows the tube containing the product to float.

FIG. 12 is a section through a class 1 (inverted), vented automaticdispensing cap.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the vented automatic dispensing cap shown inFIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged, partial section of the piston and flapper valveshown in FIG. 12 with a flapper valve in the venting position.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the piston shown in FIG. 14 without the flappervalve.

FIG. 16 is a section through a class 2 (upright), vented automaticdispensing cap.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the automatic dispensing cap shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged partial section of the body and flapper valveshown in FIG. 16 with the flapper valve in the venting position.

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the body shown in FIG. 18 without theflapper valve.

FIG. 20 is a view of a class 2, vented automatic dispensing cap having aside outlet dispenser spout.

FIG. 21 is a top view of the automatic dispensing cap shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is an external view of a conventional tube with a removableautomatic dispensing cap.

FIG. 23 is a top view of the automatic dispensing cap and tube shown inFIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is an external view of a squeezable bottle with a ventedautomatic dispensing cap.

FIG. 25 is a top view of the automatic dispensing cap and bottle shownin FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is section shown through a removable, non-vented, two-pieceautomatic dispensing cap. Side A shows the automatic dispensing cap inthe sealed position, side B shows the automatic dispensing cap openduring the dispensing cycle.

FIG. 26C shows the automatic dispensing cap having an alternate designto provide the simpler mold requirements and less costly to changedispensing hole size.

FIG. 27 is a section taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 26 showing therelationship of the two parts when they are initially assembled.

FIG. 28 is a section taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 26 showing therelationship of the two parts when they have been rotated to theautomatic dispensing position.

FIG. 29 is a roll-out view taken along circular line 29-29 of FIG. 28showing the relationship of the two parts when they are initiallyassembled.

FIG. 30 is a roll-out view taken along circular line 30-30 of FIG. 38showing the relationship of the two parts when the automatic dispensingcap is in the automatic dispensing position and ready for a user todispense product, see FIG. 26B.

FIG. 31 is a roll-out view taken along circular line 30-30 of FIG. 28showing the relationship of the two parts when they are in the automaticdispensing position while product is being dispensed.

FIG. 32 is a roll-out view taken along circular line 30-30 of FIG. 28showing the relationship of the two parts when automatic dispensing capis sealed and rotated to the locked position to prevent accidentaldispensing of product.

FIG. 33 is a section through an inverted, vented automatic dispensingcap secured to a squeezable bottle.

FIG. 34 is a view taken along line 34-34 of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is an enlarged section taken along line 35-35 of FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a section through an upright, vented automatic dispensing capsecured to a squeezable bottle.

FIG. 37 is a view of an upright, vented automatic dispensing cap havinga side outlet dispensing spout.

FIG. 38 is a top view of the automatic dispensing cap shown in FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a section through a removable two-piece non-vented nozzletype automatic dispensing cap. Side A shows the automatic dispensing capin the sealed and locked position. Side B shows the automatic dispensingcap during the dispensing cycle.

FIG. 40 is a section taken along the section line 40-40 of FIG. 39showing the configuration of the body and integral shut off valve.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an inverted, vented automaticdispensing cap with an annular lip seal secured to a squeezable bottle.

FIG. 42A is an exploded view of the dispensing cap of FIG. 41. FIG. 42Bis a section view of the dispensing cap of FIG. 42A.

FIG. 43A is a section view of the dispensing cap of FIG. 41 shown in aclosed position.

FIG. 43B is a section view of the dispensing cap of FIG. 41 shown in anopen, dispensing position.

FIG. 43C is a section view of the dispensing cap of FIG. 41 shown withflow lines illustrating venting through the cap.

FIG. 43D is a partial view of the lip seal shown venting in FIG. 43C.

FIG. 44 is a partial view of the neck of a bottle with features to matewith the dispensing cap of FIG. 41.

FIG. 45 is a roll-out view of the threads of the neck of FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 is a cross sectional view of the dispensing cap and bottle necktaken along line 46-46 of FIG. 43A showing locked and unlockedpositions.

FIG. 47 is a partial view of the neck of a bottle with an alternativeembodiment of features that mate with the dispensing cap of FIG. 41.

FIG. 48 is a roll-out view of the threads of the neck of FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is a partial view of a bottle neck adapter for use with thedispensing cap of FIG. 41.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To operate the automatic dispensing cap, the consumer squeezes thecontainer until the desired amount of product has been dispensed. Whenthe squeezing ceases the consumer merely wipes off the flush surface ofthe automatic dispensing cap with a finger or washcloth. In some cases,an automatic dispensing cap, having a side outlet dispensing spout isused, which dispenses the product directly into the consumers hand or insome cases an automatic dispensing cap with a nozzle to dispense aproduct on a surface can be used.

There are two types of automatic dispensing caps, vented and non-vented.The non-vented automatic dispensing cap is used with tubes that remaincollapsed and do not revert back to their original shape after beingsqueezed. It can operate under severe moisture conditions, such as in ashower, without inhaling or sucking in ambient moisture or other matterthat may contaminate or dilute the product remaining in the container.In addition to shower use, an automatic dispensing cap having afloatation collar incorporated for bathtub use, allows the consumer tohave one or more floating tubes of soap, body lotion, shampoo, etc. atthe tip of their fingers while in the bathtub, whirlpool tub, or hottub.

The vented automatic dispensing cap is used with squeezable containersor bottles that revert back to their original shape after squeezing.These types of containers require a closure that will permit atmosphericpressure to introduce air into the container to replace the product thatwas removed during dispensing.

There are two orientations of vented automatic dispensing caps. Thefirst orientation requires that the bottle be stored and/or operated inthe inverted position with the cap down, this allows fluid like productsto flow to the automatic dispensing cap for dispensing, also referred toherein as class 1 caps. Existing closures that have a self-opening andself-closing feature also have this requirement. The second orientationof vented automatic dispensing cap is an important departure from thisrequirement. It is designed to dispense the product with the containerstored and operated in the upright position with the cap up, alsoreferred to herein as class 2 caps. In some cases the upright, ventedautomatic dispensing cap can be used in place of a counter top pump typedispenser, especially if it has a side outlet dispensing spout.

At certain times, it is desirable to disable the dispensing mechanism ofthe automatic dispensing cap. For this purpose the automatic dispensingcap is provided with a disabled or locked position that prevents theproduct from being dispensed when the container is squeezed.

The non-vented automatic dispensing cap is generally formed of a body, atwo diameter piston having a hollow rod and an integral valve, a coilspring and a retainer cap. The body is threadably secured to asqueezable tube and has a hole in which the smaller diameter of thepiston operates. The retainer cap is threaded to the body, which forms acylinder in which the large diameter of the piston operates. The coilspring operates between the lower side of the large diameter of thepiston and the body and biases the piston toward the retainer cap, whichhas a dispensing hole in which the integral piston valve is seated. Theportion of the cylinder between the top of the large diameter of thepiston and the retainer cap is referred to as the pressure chamber. Theportion of the cylinder between the lower side of larger diameter of thepiston and the body is vented to atmosphere.

When the tube is squeezed, the product is forced through the hollow rodof the piston into the pressure chamber. The product pressure will causethe piston to compress the spring and move the valve away from thedispensing hole in the retainer cap, thus allowing the product to bedispensed. When the container is released, the product pressure dropsand the spring returns the piston and integral valve to the sealingposition preventing any air or foreign matter from entering. Since thereis no venting of the tube, the tube volume will be reduced by the amountof the product dispensed, this causes the tube to collapse. It willcontinue to collapse with each dispensing cycle.

The class 1 (inverted), vented automatic dispensing cap is similar tothe non-vented automatic dispensing cap described above with theexception of adding venting holes and a shallow venting groove on thepressure side of the large piston face that would port the pressurechamber to the vented area.

In order to maintain pressure in the pressure chamber, a flat donutshaped highly flexible and elastic flapper valve is used. The lower faceof flapper valve near the outside diameter is secured to the pressureside of the piston. The lower face of the flapper valve near its insidediameter is seated against and is stretched over a shallow conicalshaped portion of the pressure side of the piston, thus sealing theshallow venting groove.

Containers that require venting are made of a resilient material thatreturns to the original shape or volume prior to squeezing. When theinverted container is squeezed, the product is forced through the hollowrod of the piston into the pressure chamber. Since the flapper valve isstretched over the conical face of the piston thus forming a sealagainst the piston face, the product cannot enter the vented area underthe piston, therefore, the product pressure will cause the piston tocompress the spring and move the integral valve away front thedispensing hole in the retainer cap, thus allowing the product to bedispensed.

When the container is released the product pressure drops and the springreturns the piston and valve to the sealing position. As the containertries to return to its original volume, it must make up for the amountof product dispensed. This causes a slight vacuum to occur in thecontainer which in turn will cause atmospheric pressure, present in thevented side of the piston, to enter the venting ports on the face of thelarge diameter of the piston and unseat the flexible flapper valve, thusallowing air to enter the pressure chamber, flow through the hollowpiston rod and into the container, thereby making up the volume lostduring dispensing. After the replacement air volume is introduced in thecontainer, the flapper valve reseals the pressure side of the piston.

The class 2 (upright) vented automatic dispensing cap is a variation ofthe class 1 vented automatic dispensing cap. The class 2 ventedautomatic dispensing cap moves the flapper valve from the top side ofthe piston to the container side of the body. The same principle of ahighly elastic flat donut shape valve stretched over and sealing againsta conical shaped surface applies. The venting in the case bringsreplacement air directly into the container instead of the pressurechamber. In addition to relocating the flapper valve, a tube is securedto the body and extends to the lower part of the container.

When the container is squeezed, the pressure in the container forces theproduct through the tube and the hollow rod of the piston into thepressure chamber. The product pressure will cause the piston to compressthe spring and move the valve away from the dispensing hole in theretainer cap, thus allowing the product to be dispensed. When thecontainer is released, the product pressure drops and the spring returnsthe piston and valve to the sealing position. As the container tries toreturn to its original volume, it must make up for the amount of productdispensed. This causes a slight vacuum to occur in the container. Sincethe dispensing hole is closed and there is no venting in the pressurechamber, the container will cause atmospheric pressure present in thevented area between the lower side of the piston and the upper face ofthe body to unseat the flapper valve secured to the container side ofthe body, thereby allowing replacement air to enter the containerdirectly. Having the air enter the container directly prevents anybelching. Belching occurs when air is trapped in the pressure chamberand is expelled during the next dispensing cycle.

To lock out the automatic dispensing feature, the retainer cap isrotated to the locked position. This will move the piston and valve,compressing the spring until the large diameter piston is seated againstthe body. This will cause the dispensing hole in the retainer cap to besealed by the valve, and will prevent any product pressure caused bysqueezing the container to move the piston and unseat the valve. Whenthe retainer cap is rotated in the opposite direction, a rotationlimiter stops the retainer cap at the operating position.

Another group of non-vented automatic dispensing caps, also for use withtubes are formed of two pieces: a body and a cap. The cap is a twodiameter cup shaped part, having a dispensing hole, two integralcantilever springs spaced equally and extending from the inside diameterand at the open edge of the walls of the cup. The springs are formed asthough they are two partial inside diameter flanges approximately ninetydegrees in length and are disconnected from the walls of the cup formost of their length to permit the flanges to flex when a force isapplied to the disconnected ends. The springs are molded to be at anangle to the open face of the cup.

The body is threadably secured to a squeezable tube and formed to have alip seal at the upper end that engages inside the smaller diameter ofthe cap. The body has an integral valve that engages and seals thedispensing hole in the cap. A port in the end of the body permits theproduct in the tube to flow into a pressure chamber formed by the insideof the cap and the seal of the body.

Extending from the body are two horizontal lugs spaced equally and twoprimary vertical lugs spaced equally and at ninety degrees out of phasewith the horizontal lugs. Two secondary vertical lugs are adjacent tothe primary vertical lugs. The body also has a flange used to tighten itonto the thread of the tube. The horizontal lugs have an angled end, astepped and notched portion followed by an angled surface. The primaryvertical lugs have a rectangular outer surface. The secondary verticallugs have a rectangular outer surface and are somewhat shorter than theprimary vertical lugs.

When the cap is initially assembled to the body, it is first aligned sothe spring portion falls between the vertical and horizontal lugs of thebody, then it is advanced onto the body and rotated until the attachedends of the cantilever springs on the cap engage the bottom of theprimary vertical lugs of the body. The automatic dispensing cap willthen be in the locked or disabled position with the valve of the bodysealing the dispensing hole in the cap. The rotation will also cause thedetached ends of the cantilever springs to be deflected becoming engagedwith the horizontal lugs. The ends of the cantilever springs will be incontact with the angled portion of the horizontal lugs, which providesome resistance to rotating the cap from the locked position.

To dispense the product in the tube, the consumer sets the automaticdispensing cap to the automatic dispensing position by reversing therotation of the cap until it reaches a positive stop. At this point thecantilever springs will still be engaged with the horizontal lugs andlimited from further rotation by the ends of the cantilever springsbeing against the stepped portion of the horizontal lugs. Slightlyraised bumps on the ends of the cantilever springs are seated in thenotches of the horizontal lugs to prevent accidental rotation of the capfrom the automatic dispensing position. With the cap in the automaticdispensing position the force from the cantilever springs of the cap onthe horizontal lugs of the body will provide sufficient force on thedispensing hole in the cap on the valve of the body to seal thedispensing hole in the cap. The secondary vertical lugs will contact theattached ends of the cantilever springs to prevent any excess strainthat might cause the springs to fail if an accidental separating forceis applied to the cap when in the automatic dispensing position.

When the tube is squeezed with the automatic dispensing cap in theautomatic dispensing position, the product is forced through the port inthe body to the pressure chamber. The product pressure will cause thecap to move away from the body, which will deflect the cantileversprings and move the dispensing hole away from the valve thus allowingthe product to be dispensed.

When the tube is released, the product pressure drops and the cantileversprings return the cap so that the dispensing hole in the cap is sealedby the valve of the body. Since a positive pressure in the pressurechamber exists, both before the cap moves during dispensing and for ashort time after the cap is sealed, when the tube is released, there isno opportunity for air, foreign matter or water to enter the automaticdispensing cap during dispensing. This makes it an ideal device to usein the shower or even in the bathtub. It can operate under water with noproduct contamination. Since there is no venting of the tube, the tubevolume will be reduced by the amount of product dispensed. This causesthe tube to collapse. It will continue to collapse with each dispensingcycle.

The class 1, or inverted, vented automatic dispensing cap is similar tothe non-vented automatic dispensing cap described above with theexception of adding a side entry venting port connected to a groove onthe bottle side of the body, just above the bottle neck. The port allowsreplacement air to enter directly into the bottle.

In order to pressurize the bottle and pressure chamber when the bottleis squeezed, a flat donut shaped highly flexible and elastic flappervalve is used to seal the venting groove. The outside diameter of theflapper valve is retained by and sealed against the bottle side of thebody by a combination valve retainer and bottle seal. The upper face ofthe flapper valve near its inside diameter is seated against and isstretched over a shallow conical shaped portion of the container side ofthe body, thus sealing the shallow groove.

Bottles that require venting are made of a resilient material thatreturns to the original shape or volume prior to squeezing. When theinverted bottle is squeezed, the product is forced through the port ofthe body and into the pressure chamber. Since the flapper valve issealed against the body, the product cannot enter the venting groove ofthe body, therefore, the product pressure will cause the cap to move wayfront the body which will deflect the cantilever springs and move thedispensing hole away from the valve, thus allowing the product to bedispensed.

When the bottle is released, the product pressure drops and thecantilever springs return the cap to its original position so thedispensing hole in the cap is sealed by the valve of the body. As thebottle attempts to return to its original volume it must make up for theamount of product dispensed. This causes a slight vacuum to occur in thebottle. Since the dispensing hole is sealed, and there is no venting inthe pressure chamber, the vacuum in the bottle will cause atmosphericpressure present on the vented side of the body to enter the ventingport and groove and unseat the flapper valve secured to the bottle sideof the body, thereby allowing replacement air to enter the containerdirectly. After the replacement air is introduced in the bottle, theflapper valve reseals the pressure side of the body.

The class 2 (upright) vented automatic dispensing cap is identical tothe class 1 (inverted) vented automatic dispensing cap with theexception of adding a pressure tube that is secured into the port on thebottle side of the body and extends to the lower part of the bottle.When the upright bottle is squeezed, the pressure in the bottle forcesthe product through the tube and the port in the body and into thepressure chamber. All functions relating to the dispensing cycle and theintroduction of replacement air back into the bottle are the same as theclass 1, vented automatic dispensing cap. Belching is prevented becausethe replacement air must come directly into the bottle as previouslydescribed and cannot enter the pressure chamber because the tubeisolates the pressure chamber from the air in the bottle.

Several variations of the above are described in the following text anddrawings. They include a nozzle type retainer cap for applying productto a specific area, a non-vented automatic dispensing cap having aflotation collar that causes the tube to float when used in a bath tubfor such products as soap, shampoo and body lotion, and a side outletdispensing spout for use when the automatic dispensing cap can beoperated with the container in the vertical or near vertical positionsuch as the non-vented automatic dispensing cap or the class 2, ventedautomatic dispensing cap.

Now turning to the Drawings, FIG. 3 shows a removable type of anon-vented automatic dispensing cap formed of body 4 that is threaded toconventional tube 5. Threadably secured to body 4 is retainer cap 1having product-dispensing hole 8 shown in FIG. 2, which operates in atwo chamber cylinder formed by body 4 and retainer cap 1. The largediameter of piston 2 has a sealing lip that contacts the inner surfaceof retainer cap 1. The hollow rod of piston 2 has a sealing lip thatcontacts the inner surface of body 4. Piston 2 has integral valve 6 thatengages and seals product-dispensing hole 8. Coil spring 3 operatesbetween piston 2 and body 4. Chamber 10 is vented to the atmosphere byventing hole 11.

When tube 5 is squeezed, a pressure develops causing the product in tube5 to flow through port 7 of piston 2 into pressure chamber 9 formed bypiston 2 and retainer cap 1. As the pressure increases on piston 2 inchamber 9, the preset biasing force of coil spring 3 is exceeded,causing piston 2 and valve 6 to move away from the position that sealsdispensing hole 8, thus allowing the product to flow through dispensinghole 8 until the squeezing action on tube 5 ceases.

When the squeezing action ceases, the pressure will drop and the forcefrom coil spring 3 will cause piston 2 and valve 6 to return to thesealing position. As this occurs, any product at dispensing hole 8 willbe expelled as valve 6 seals hole 8, therefore preventing anyopportunity for ambient material or air to enter hole 8. After thesqueezing action ceases, the consumer merely wipes the product from theflat surface of retainer cap 1 and the nearly flush surface of valve 6.

FIG. 3B shows the automatic dispensing cap in the locked position. Tolock the automatic dispensing cap, retainer cap 1 is generally rotatedin a clockwise direction, advancing on threads 15 until retainer cap 1,being engaged with valve 6 at dispensing hole 8, forces piston shoulder16 against face 17 of body 4. When this occurs, the rotation of retainercap 1 is stopped and dispensing hole 8 is sealed by valve 6.

To return the automatic dispensing cap to the operating position, asshown in FIG. 3A, retainer cap 1 is rotated in the opposite directionuntil rotation stop 12, shown in FIG. 10, engages stop lug 13.Deflection of stop lug 13 is limited by lug 14. The configuration oflugs 13 and 14 allows rotation stop 12 to deflect stop lug 13sufficiently for rotation stop 12 to pass over lug 14, during theassembly of retainer cap 1.

FIG. 4 shows a removable type of a non-vented automatic dispensing capformed of body 20 that is threaded to conventional tube 28. Threadablysecured to body 20 is retainer cap 24 having product-dispensing hole 8shown in FIG. 2. Piston 2 operates in a two chamber cylinder formed bybody 20 and retainer cap 24. The large diameter of piston 2 has asealing lip that contacts the inner surface of retainer cap 24. Thehollow rod of piston 2 has a sealing lip that contacts the inner surfaceof body 20. Piston 2 has integral valve 6 that engages and seals productdispensing hole 8. Leaf springs 21, seen in FIG. 7, which are integralwith body 20, operate between piston 2 and body 20. Chamber 26 is ventedto atmosphere by venting hole 27.

The operation of the automatic dispensing cap 4 is identical to theoperation of the automatic dispensing cap in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 shows the automatic dispensing cap in the operating position. Thelocking feature works the same as the automatic dispensing cap in FIG.3. However, when retainer cap 24 is rotated to the operating position,rotation stop 23, seen in FIG. 5, engages stop lug 22, therebypreventing any further rotation. The configuration of stop lug 22 allowsit to be deflected by rotation stop 23 during the assembly of retainercap 24 to body 20.

The automatic dispensing cap in FIG. 8 has a retainer cap 30 with anextended nozzle 33. Piston 34 has valve extension 31 and integral valve32. Valve 32 is configured to seat in the tapered dispensing hole ofnozzle 33.

The operation of the automatic dispensing cap in FIG. 8 is identical tothe operation of the automatic dispensing cap in FIG. 3. The lockingfeature also is the same.

FIG. 11 shows a variation of a retainer cap for a non-vented automaticdispensing cap modified to provide a floatation ring. Retainer cap 37 isprovided with an outer air chamber 38 formed by integral circular basewall 40, and integral outer ring 39. Sealing cap 41 is secured toretainer cap 37 and outer ring 39, thereby forming air chamber 38 toprovide the desired floatation.

FIG. 12 shows a class 1, removable type of vented automatic dispensingcap formed of body 46 that is threaded to squeezable bottle 59.Threadably secured to body 46 is retainer cap 45 havingproduct-dispensing hole 56 shown in FIG. 13. Piston 47 operates in a twochamber cylinder formed by body 46 and retainer cap 45. The largediameter of piston 47 has a sealing lip that contacts the inner surfaceof retainer cap 45. The hollow rod of piston 47 has a sealing lip thatcontacts the inner surface of body 46. Piston 47 has integral valve 51that engages and seals product-dispensing hole 56. Coil spring 49operates between piston 47 and body 46. Chamber 50 is vented toatmosphere by vent hole 53. Piston 47 has shallow venting groove 58 andventing hole 57 shown in enlarged section in FIG. 14. The lower facenear the outside diameter of flapper valve 48 is secured to piston 47.The lower face near the inside diameter of flapper valve 48 is stretchedover shallow conical surface 60 of piston 47, thereby providing a sealbetween pressure chamber 54 and vented chamber 50 when the pressure inboth chambers are nearly equal as shown in FIG. 12.

Generally the class 1 (inverted), vented automatic dispensing cap isused with a squeezable bottle that is stored in the inverted position.When the inverted bottle 59 is squeezed, a pressure develops causing theproduct in bottle 59 to flow through port 52 of piston 47 into pressurechamber 54 formed by piston 47 and retainer cap 45. As the pressureincreases on piston 47 in chamber 54, the preset biasing force of coilspring 49 is exceeded, causing piston 47 and valve 51 to move away fromthe position that seals dispensing hole 56, thus allowing the product toflow through dispensing hole 56 until the squeezing action on bottle 59ceases.

When the squeezing action ceases on bottle 59, the pressure will dropand the force from coil spring 49 will cause piston 47 and valve 51 toreturn to a position that seals hole 56. After the squeezing actionceases, the consumer merely wipes the product from the flat surface ofretainer cap 48 and the nearly flush surface of valve 51. Since thevented automatic dispensing cap is generally used with a bottle that isstored with the cap down, a shallow concave surface for retainer cap 45may benefit the stability for storing and provide a slight clearance atdispensing hole 56. As bottle 59 tries to return to its original volumeit must make up for the amount of product dispensed. This causes avacuum to occur in container 59 and in chamber 54, which in turn willcause atmospheric pressure present in the vented side of piston 47 bymeans of vent hole 53 in body 46 to enter venting port 57 and shallowventing groove 58 of piston 47 and unseat flapper valve 48 as shown inFIG. 14. This allows air to enter container 59 by way of chamber 54 andmake up the volume lost during dispensing. Since it requires a pressuredifferential to unseat flapper valve 48, flapper valve 48 acts as acheck valve, therefore there can be no chance of reverse flow or productleakage through flapper valve 48. After the replacement air volume isintroduced in container 59, flapper valve 48 reseals the pressure sideof piston 47.

FIG. 16 shows a class 2 (upright), removable type of vented automaticdispensing cap formed of body 75 that is attached to squeezable bottle78. Threadably secured to body 75 is retainer cap 70 havingproduct-dispensing hole 81 shown in FIG. 17. Piston 73 operates in a twochamber cylinder formed by body 75 and retainer cap 70. The largediameter of piston 73 has a sealing lip that contacts the inner surfaceof retainer cap 70. The hollow rod of piston 73 has a sealing lip thatcontacts the inner surface of body 75. Piston 73 has integral valve 72that engages and seals product-dispensing hole 81. Coil spring 79operates between piston 73 and body 75. Chamber 74 is vented toatmosphere by vent slot 76 of body 75. Body 75 has shallow groove 80 andventing hole 84 shown in enlarged section in FIG. 18. The upper facenear the outside diameter of flapper valve 77 is secured to the lowerface of body 75. The upper face near the inside diameter of flappervalve 77 is stretched over shallow conical surface 83 of body 75,thereby providing a seal between container 78 and vented chamber 74 whenthe pressure in container 78 and chamber 74 are nearly equal, as shownin FIG. 16. Tube 85 is secured to body 75 and extends to the lowerportion of bottle 78.

The class 2 (upright), vented automatic dispensing cap is used with asqueezable bottle that is stored in the upright position. When theupright bottle 78 is squeezed, a pressure develops causing the productin bottle 78 to flow through tube 85 and port 82 of piston 73 intopressure chamber 71 formed by piston 73 and retainer cap 70. As thepressure increases on piston 73 in chamber 71, the preset biasing forceof coil spring 79 is exceeded, causing piston 73 and valve 72 to moveaway from the position that seals dispensing hole 81, thus allowing theproduct to flow through dispensing hole 81 until the squeezing action onbottle 78 ceases.

When the squeezing action ceases on bottle 78, the pressure will dropand the force from coil spring 79 will cause piston 73 and valve 72 toreturn to a position that seals hole 81. After the squeezing ceases, theconsumer merely wipes the product from the flat surface of retainer cap70 and nearly flush surface of valve 72.

As bottle 78 tries to return to its original volume, it must make up forthe amount of product dispensed. This causes a vacuum to occur incontainer 78, which in turn will cause atmospheric pressure present inchamber 74 to enter venting hole 84 and shallow venting groove 80 ofbody 75 and unseat flapper valve 77, as shown in FIG. 18. This allowsair to enter container 78 and replace with air the product volume lostduring dispensing. Since it requires a pressure differential to unseatflapper valve 77, flapper valve 77 acts as a check valve. Therefore,there can be no chance of reverse flow or product leakage throughflapper valve 77. Alter the replacement air volume is introduced incontainer 78, flapper valve 77 reseals the pressure side of body 75.

The class 2 (upright), vented automatic dispensing cap shown in FIGS. 20and 21 has retainer cap 90 with dispensing hole 92 leading throughoutlet spout 91 to port 93.

When the upright bottle 78 is squeezed, the product will flow throughdispensing hole 92 as described previously for class 2 (upright), ventedautomatic dispensing cap shown in FIG. 16, from dispensing hole 92, theproduct will flow through port 93 and exit spout 91. During thesqueezing action, the product is dispensed into the palm of theconsumer's hand. For very low viscosity products a slight angle port maybe used to prevent drippage.

A side outlet retainer similar to the one shown in FIG. 20 can be usedwith the squeezable tube shown in FIG. 1. For certain applications, thismay be preferred by the consumer.

FIGS. 12 and 16 show the vented automatic dispensing cap in theoperating position. A locking feature similar to the one for thenon-vented automatic dispensing cap shown in FIG. 3 can be used with thevented automatic dispensing cap.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show another automatic dispensing cap on a conventionaltube 103. FIGS. 24 and 25 show an automatic dispensing cap on aresilient bottle 124.

FIG. 26 shows a removable non-vented automatic dispensing cap includingof body 102 that is threaded to squeezable tube 103. Body 102 has lipseal 105, port 117 and valve 106. In addition, body 102 has twohorizontal lugs 107, two primary vertical lugs 108 and two secondaryvertical lugs 111 shown in FIG. 27. Operating with body 102 is cap 101including of dispensing hole 104, two cantilever springs 109 having knob113 that are attached to inside of cap 101 at area 110. When assembled,diameter 115 of cap 101 engages lip seal 105 of body 102 formingpressure chamber 116.

After cap 101 is assembled to body 102 and rotated to the lockedposition of FIG. 32, the lower surfaces of primary vertical lugs 108 areengaged with area 110 of springs 109 forcing dispensing hole 104 of cap101 against valve 106 of body 102, thereby sealing the automaticdispensing cap for storage. This initial rotation also causes cantileversprings 109 to be deflected by horizontal lugs 107 and for knobs 113 ofsprings 109 to engage lugs 107 at angled surfaces 112.

To set the automatic dispensing cap to the automatic dispensingpositioning, FIG. 30, the rotation of cap 101 is reversed to a positivestop where knob 113 of springs 109 will then be engaged in notch 114 atstepped portion of lug 107. In this position, the cantilever spring 109develops a biasing force on cap 101, which causes dispensing hole 104 toengage valve 6 to effectively seal the automatic dispensing cap.

The engagement of knob 113 in notch 114 provides a detent to prevent cap101 from accidentally being rotated from the automatic dispensingposition. With the automatic dispensing cap in the auto position,secondary vertical lugs 111 will limit the vertical travel of cap 101contacting area 110 of cantilever spring 109 if an accidental separatingforce is applied to cap 101.

When tube 103 is squeezed, while the automatic dispensing cap is in theautomatic dispensing position, a pressure develops causing the productin tube 103 to flow through port 117 into pressure chamber 116. As thepressure increases on cap 101 in pressure chamber 116, the biasing forceof cantilever springs 109 is exceeded, causing cap 101 to move away fromthe position that seals dispensing hole 104 with valve 106, FIG. 26B,thus allowing the product to flow through dispensing hole 104 until thesqueezing action on tube 103 ceases.

When the squeezing ceases, the pressure will drop and the force fromcantilever springs 109 will cause valve 106 to return into dispensinghole 104 of cap 101. As this occurs, any product at dispensing hole 104will be expelled as valve 106 seals dispensing hole 104, therefore,preventing any opportunity for ambient material or air to enter hole104. After squeezing action ceases, the consumer merely wipes theproduct from the flat surface of cap 101 and the flush surface of valve106.

When the squeezing ceases, the pressure will drop and the force fromcantilever springs 109 will cause valve 106 to return into dispensinghole 104 of cap 101. As this occurs, any product at dispensing hole 104will be expelled as valve 106 seals dispensing hole 104, therefore,preventing any opportunity for ambient material or air to enter hole104. After squeezing action ceases, the consumer merely wipes theproduct from the flat surface of cap 101 and the flush surface of valve106.

FIG. 26C shows cap 101 being formed of cup 101A and spring ring 101B.These separate parts may be produced with less costly molds. Multiplecups 101A having various size dispensing holes 104A may be matched to acommon spring ring 118 for further cost consideration. Effectively, cup101A and spring ring 101B become one part, i.e. cap when they arepressed together. Alternately, the manufacturer may consider one piececap 101, FIG. 26 more efficient because fewer parts need to be handled.

FIG. 33 shows a class 1 (inverted) vented automatic dispensing capsecured to squeezable bottle 124 and formed of body 121 and cap 120. Cap120 is configured much like cap 101 shown in FIG. 26 and in some casescan be used interchangeably. Body 121 has many of the elements of body102 shown in FIG. 26 such as the primary and secondary vertical lugsshown as item 128 and horizontal lug 129. Referring to enlarged sectionFIG. 35, body 121 has venting hole 125 that connect to venting groove131. Highly flexible flapper valve 126 is secured to body 127 byretainer-seal 126 that is pressed into body 121 and engages the neckface of bottle 124. During installation, flapper valve 126 is stretchedover conical face 128 of body 121 effectively sealing venting groove131. Again referring to FIG. 33, a tapered ring 123 of bottle 124 isshown engaging and securing taper ring 122, of body 121 such that whenbody 121 is pressed onto the neck of bottle 124, the taper rings willdeflect sufficiently to cause the engagement indicated. If required,slots in appropriate portions around hub 132 of body 121 could be addedto allow easier assembly of body 121 to bottle 124. It should be notedthat the above is one of several means of securing the vented automaticdispensing cap to a squeezable bottle.

It should also be noted that the elements and function shown in FIGS.27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32 and described in previous text apply to thevented automatic dispensing cap.

Generally the Class 1 vented automatic dispensing cap is used with asqueezable bottle that is stored in the inverted position. When theinverted bottle 124 with the automatic dispensing cap in the automaticdispensing position (FIG. 30) is squeezed, a pressure develops causingthe product in bottle 124 to flow through port 133 of body 121 intopressure chamber 134 formed by lip seal 129 and inside diameter of cap120. As pressure increases on cap 120 in pressure chamber 134, thepreset biasing force of cantilever springs 135 is exceeded causing cap120 to move away from the position that seals dispensing hole 130 of cap120 with valve 128 of body 121, thus allowing the product to flowthrough dispensing hole 130 until the squeezing action on bottle 124ceases.

When the squeezing action ceases, the pressure drops and the force fromcantilever springs 135 will cause cap 120 to return dispensing hole 130to seal against valve 128. As this occurs, any product at dispensinghole 130 will be expelled as valve 128 seals dispensing hole 130. Atthis point, the consumer merely wipes off the product from the flatsurface of cap 120.

As bottle 124 tries to return to its original volume to make up for theamount of product dispensed, a vacuum occurs in container 124, which inturn causes atmospheric pressure to enter venting port 125 and ventinggroove 131 of body 121 and unseat flapper valve 126 as shown in FIG. 35.This allows replacement air to enter container 124 and make up theproduct volume lost during dispensing. Since it requires a pressuredifferential to unseat flapper valve 126, flapper valve 126 acts as acheck valve, therefore there can be no chance of reverse flow of productleakage through flapper valve 126. After the makeup volume is introducedin container 124, flapper valve 126 reseals the pressure side of body121.

The class 2 (upright) vented automatic dispensing cap is shown in FIG.36. It is identical to the class 1 automatic dispensing cap shown inFIGS. 33, 34, 35 with the exception of adding pressure tube 140.Pressure tube 140 is secured into port 133 of body 121 and extends tothe lower part of the bottle.

When upright bottle 124 is squeezed with the automatic dispensing cap inthe automatic dispensing position, the pressure in bottle 124 forces theproduct through tube 140 and port 133 into pressure chamber 134. Allfunctions relating to the dispensing cycle and the introduction ofreplacement air back into bottle 124 are the same as the class 1automatic dispensing cap described above and shown in FIG. 33.

The class 2 vented automatic dispensing cap shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 hascap 141, dispensing hole 142, outlet port 143 and side outlet spout 144.

When the upright bottle 124 is squeezed, the product will flow throughdispensing hole 142 as described previously for class 2 vented automaticdispensing cap shown in FIG. 36. From dispensing hole 142, the productwill flow through outlet port 143 and exit spout 144. During thesqueezing action, the product is dispensed into the palm of theconsumer's hand. For very low viscosity products, a port that is angledslightly upward may be used to prevent dripping.

The automatic dispensing cap in FIG. 39 has a cap 148 with an extendednozzle 150. Body 149 has valve extension and integral valve 151. Valve151 is configured to seat in tapered dispensing hole 152 of nozzle 150.The operation of the automatic dispensing cap in FIG. 39 is identical tothe operation of the automatic dispensing cap in FIG. 26. The lockingfeature is also the same.

The valve that is integral with the piston or body can be configured tosuit the application. The drawings disclose a flat face seal, aspherical faced seal and a tapered seal.

FIG. 41 depicts an exemplary class 1 (inverted) vented automaticdispensing cap 200 on a squeeze bottle 250 having features similar tothose noted above but with some modifications and additional features.As shown in FIGS. 42A and 42B, the dispensing cap 200 has two separablecomponents: the retaining cap 202 and the body 220.

The dispensing cap 200 is removably secured to the neck 240 of thesqueeze bottle 250, which includes a set of locking threads 242 aroundits outside surface which interface with the retaining cap 202, asfurther described below, and an upper lip 244 upon which the body 220rests, as further described and shown. The primary design constraints ofthe bottle neck 240 are that it form a suitable component of the squeezebottle 250, and that the placement of the locking threads 242 are thecorrect distance from the upper lip 244 to correctly limit the motion ofthe retaining cap 202 relative to the body 220 as shown.

As shown in FIGS. 42A and 42B, the body 220 includes an annular groove222 disposed about a lower surface which is adapted to interface withthe upper lip 244 in order to form an air-tight seal therebetween. Norelative movement between the body 220 and the neck 240 is necessary forthe operation of the automatic dispensing cap 200, and therefore theaddition of fasteners between these two components 220, 240 isunderstood to be within the scope of the teaching herein. It will beappreciated that that the body 220 may alternatively be one integralpiece with the neck 240, and that the body 220 could be manufactured asa feature of the bottle 250. The illustrated embodiment wherein the body220 is a separate component has the advantage of allowing the removal ofthe body 220 from the mouth of the bottle 250 in order to allow fullfluid flow or other access to the interior of the bottle 250 through theneck 240 without any impediment. When a user disengages the external cap202 from the bottle 250, the body 220 disengages the neck 240 and stayswithin the retaining cap 202, which may be convenient for refilling thebottle 250 or accessing its contents as known in the art.

From the exterior of the body 220 protrudes a plurality of cantileverspring members 224. Surrounding the body 220 in the assembledconfiguration is the retaining cap 202, which includes an internal lip204 positioned to interface with the spring members 224. The springmembers 224 bias the retaining cap 202 downward onto the body 220. Theretaining cap 202 includes a central aperture 206, and the body includesa valve member 226 which is sized to fit the central aperture 206 andcreate a seal therebetween. When the dispensing cap 200 is in the closedposition, as illustrated by FIG. 43A, the spring members 224 pressingagainst the internal lip 204 of the external cap 202 causes the aperture206 to be positioned against the valve member 226. This seats the valvemember 226 and prevents liquid from exiting the aperture 206. When thebottle is squeezed, product moves from the interior of the bottle 250,through the portals 230, and into the chamber 212 formed between thebody 220 and the retaining cap 202. Sufficient pressure counteracts thebiasing force of the springs 224, causing the retaining cap 202 to moveaway from the body 220. This unseats the valve member 226 and allowsliquid to dispense through the aperture 206, as illustrated by FIG. 43B.

The relative dimensions of the body 220 and the retaining cap 202 areimportant for proper operation of the dispensing cap 200, particularlythe configuration of the springs 224 for providing an appropriatebiasing force. In one exemplary embodiment, the springs 224 may each bea plastic spring member of approximately 0.25 mm thickness andapproximately 1.25 mm in length to provide the appropriate strength andflexibility to perform as necessary.

The body 220 further includes a flexible annular lip seal 228 whichpresses against the internal surface of the cap 202 as shown in FIGS.43A and 43B, preventing fluid flow out of the lower edge of the cap 202.When the bottle 250 is released, a pressure differential develops withinthe chamber 212 formed within the retaining cap 202 as the bottle 250returns to its original, undeformed shape. The flexible annular lip seal228 acts as a venting valve as shown in FIGS. 43C and 43D, allowing airto enter through the underside of the retaining cap 202, past the lipseal 228, and into the chamber 212 and bottle 250. In this way, theflexible annular lip seal 228 acts as a check valve, preventing fluidfrom exiting around the periphery of the retaining cap 202 but allowingair to enter to vent the resilient bottle 250. Because the flexibleannular lip seal 228 allows for venting of the bottle 250 to occur, thisfeature may partially or fully replace the need for a flapper valve forventing air as described above. In one embodiment, the lip seal 228 mayrepresent a tapering plastic membrane approximately 0.13 mm thick at itsupper edge. The lip seal 228 may be made of any appropriate material;for example, a thermoplastic elastomer such as the copolyester ARNITEL®,manufactured by DSM Engineering Plastics, may be used.

In FIGS. 44-46 a variation of the locking feature is shown whereinlocking threads 242 provide the locked and unlocked positions describedabove. Here, nubs 208 on opposing sides of the interior of the retainingcap 202 interface with the threads 242 to limit the motion of theretaining cap 202. When each nub 208 is aligned at the lowest portion ofits thread 242 b, the dispensing cap 200 is in a locked position. Thehorizontal thread portion 242 b prevents the external cap member 202from moving sufficiently to unseat the valve member 226, and thedispensing cap 200 stays closed. When each nub 208 is aligned with theupper portion of its thread 242 a, the dispensing cap 200 is in itsunlocked position. The valve member 226 can fully unseat sufficient toallow dispensing of the liquid, while the position of the nubs 208 underthe threads 242 still secures the retaining cap 202 so that it does notcompletely detach from the other components. Although the threads 242are shown with steps, will be understood that an angled thread may alsoserve to control the flow and allow the user to alternate between lockedand unlocked positions.

In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 47-48, alternative locking threads242′ may be provided. These threads may have, in addition to fullylocked and fully unlocked positions as described above, intermediatepositions that restrict fluid flow without preventing it altogether. Theintermediate positions are represented by intermediate portions 242 c ofthe thread 242′. When the nub 208 is aligned with an intermediateportion 242 c, the motion of the retaining cap 202 is more limited inthe maximum distance that the plug 226 can unseat from the aperture 206upon squeezing the bottle 250, limiting the flow of liquid through theaperture 206. Although the graduated thread 242 is shown as a series ofhorizontal steps, it will be understood that an angled thread may alsoserve to control the flow and allow for intermediate positions betweenfully locked and unlocked positions.

While dispensing cap 200 has been shown and described herein asinterfacing directly with a neck 240 integral with the squeeze bottle250, it will be appreciated that a separate bottle neck adapter 240′,shown in FIG. 49, could be provided. In such an embodiment, the externalthread features suitable for mating with the retaining cap 202 and body220 as herein disclosed would be included on the adapter, and theadapter 240′ would accommodate the neck of the bottle, such as havinginternal threads 246′ adapted for mating with the threads associatedwith a screw-cap bottle neck as known in the art. In such an embodiment,the features of the neck 240 are essentially separate from the bottlerather than being integral therewith as shown in FIGS. 41-48.

It should be noted that all configurations of the automatic dispensingcap could alternatively use either the coil spring or the leaf springdesign and the associated locking arrangement shown and described above.It should also be noted that a class 2 vented automatic dispensing capcould be used as a class 1 (inverted), vented automatic dispensing capby eliminating tube 85.

A resilient material such as plastic may be used to create the automaticdispensing cap. The material selected preferably has the necessarystress relaxation times and rates to perform as described herein.

Many features have been listed with particular configurations, options,and embodiments. Any one or more of the features described may be addedto or combined with any of the other embodiments or other standarddevices to create alternate combinations and embodiments.

Although the examples given include many specificities, they areintended as illustrative of only one possible embodiment of theinvention. Other embodiments and modifications will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. Thus, the examples given should only be interpretedas illustrations of some of the preferred embodiments of the invention,and the full scope of the invention should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An automatic dispensing cap for use with acontainer, the automatic dispensing cap comprising: a body comprising asealing lip and a protrusion, and a retainer cap connected to the bodyand having a chamber therein and a dispensing aperture in fluidcommunication with the chamber, wherein the retainer cap can moverelative to the body between a closed position wherein the protrusion isseated in the dispensing aperture to prevent fluid flow through thedispensing aperture, and an open position wherein the protrusion isunseated from the dispensing aperture to allow fluid flow through thedispensing aperture, wherein the retainer cap is resiliently biasedtoward the closed position, and wherein the sealing lip is resilientlybiased against the retainer cap and acts as a one-way valve to preventfluid from exiting the chamber and to allow air to enter the chamber. 2.The automatic dispensing cap of claim 1, wherein the sealing lip is aplastic membrane less than approximately 0.5 mm in thickness.
 3. Theautomatic dispensing cap of claim 1, further comprising a spring memberoperatively coupled to the retainer cap, the spring member resilientlybiasing the retainer cap toward the closed position.
 4. The automaticdispensing cap of claim 3, wherein the body has a plurality of springmembers protruding therefrom, the body positioned in the interior of theretainer cap with the spring members contacting an inner surface of theretainer cap.
 5. The automatic dispensing cap of claim 1, wherein theretainer cap is rotatable between a locked position wherein the retainercap is constrained from moving into the open position, and an unlockedposition wherein the retainer cap is not constrained from moving intothe open position.
 6. The automatic dispensing cap of claim 5, whereinthe retainer cap is rotatable between the locked and unlocked positionsand an intermediate position, and wherein the motion of the retainer capin the intermediate position is sufficient to at least partially unseatthe protrusion to allow fluid flow through the dispensing aperture butmore constrained than when the retainer cap is in the open position. 7.A valve member for an automatic dispensing cap, comprising: acylindrical body having a longitudinal axis defining upwards anddownwards directions and a circumferential outer wall having upper andlower edges; a protrusion disposed upwardly along the longitudinal axis;a plurality of openings disposed radially between the protrusion and thecircumferential outer wall, the openings suitable for the passage offluid in a direction upwardly through the cylindrical body; a pluralityof spring members disposed radially outwardly from the outercircumferential wall, the spring members being spaced to allow air topass in a direction upwardly between the spring members along the outercircumferential wall; and a circumferential sealing lip having inner andouter surfaces extending upwardly from the upper edge of thecircumferential outer wall, the sealing lip sufficiently flexible tobend radially inwardly as a result of a difference in air pressureagainst the inner and the outer surfaces of the sealing lip.
 8. Anautomatic dispensing cap, comprising: the valve member of claim 5; and aretaining cap comprising an upper surface comprising an aperture, theaperture sized and positioned to receive the protrusion; and an annularouter wall with an inner surface positioned around the cylindrical bodysuch that the circumferential sealing lip presses against the innersurface forming a one-way seal that prevents fluid from exiting theretaining cap but permits air to enter the retaining cap; wherein theinner surface of the outer wall of the retaining cap engages the springmembers to resiliently bias the retaining cap against the valve membersuch that the protrusion is seated in the aperture.
 9. The automaticdispensing cap of claim 8, wherein the retaining cap is responsive toupward pressure on its upper surface such that when the cap is attachedto a squeeze bottle, squeezing the bottle results in sufficient pressureto move the retaining cap against the resilient bias of the springmembers and unseat the protrusion, allowing product to dispense throughthe aperture.
 10. An automatic dispensing cap for use with a container,the automatic dispensing cap comprising: a body operatively coupled tothe container; a retainer cap having an interior surface, the retainercap connected to the body; a pressure chamber within the retainer cap,the pressure chamber in fluid communication with an interior of thecontainer; a dispensing hole exiting the pressure chamber; a protrusionengagable with the dispensing hole, the automatic dispensing cap havinga closed position wherein the protrusion seals the dispensing hole, andan open position wherein the dispensing hole is unobstructed by theprotrusion; a spring member biasing the automatic dispensing cap in theclosed position; and a sealing lip configured to contact the interiorsurface of the retainer cap, the sealing lip further configured topermit air to enter the pressure chamber in order to vent the container.11. The automatic dispensing cap of claim 10, wherein the dispensing capin the open position permits a first nonzero flow rate through thedispensing hole; and wherein the automatic dispensing cap has anintermediate position permitting a second nonzero flow rate through thedispensing hole that is less than the first nonzero flow rate.
 12. Theautomatic dispensing cap of claim 11, wherein the closed, intermediate,and open positions are each associated with distinct rotationalorientations of the retainer cap such that the dispensing cap can bemoved from one position to another by rotation of the retainer cap. 13.A squeeze container for dispensing liquid, comprising: the automaticdispensing cap of claim 10; and a resiliently deformable containerhaving liquid therein, the container coupled to the automatic dispensingcap such that squeezing the container results in the automaticdispensing cap moving from a closed position to an open position, liquiddispensing from the container through the dispensing hole, the automaticdispensing cap moving back from an open position to a closed position,and air venting past the sealing lip into the container.